Garden enthusiasts are in for a treat as their dedication to their green spaces blooms with new life this season. Adam Frost, the gardening guru and beloved presenter of the long-running BBC show Gardeners' World, has some sage advice for those tending to their gardens. Known for his engaging style and down-to-earth charm, Frost recently discussed his new book, For the Love of Plants, which has just been published, and shared insights into his life and gardening philosophy.
In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends, the 55-year-old Frost reflected on his unconventional journey to becoming a recognized figure in horticulture. He humorously recounted his experience as a grave digger while working for the parks department, where he grew an impressive 200,000 plants with a special interest in Victorian parks. "You even had to dig a grave, you even had to be a qualified grave digger, which I remind my missus and the kids on a regular basis," he quipped, illustrating the unique challenges he faced in his early career.
Frost's big break came when he fortuitously met the late Geoff Hamilton, a popular presenter of Gardeners' World during the 1980s and 1990s. "Looking back, I don't know how he put up with me!" Frost said, recalling how Hamilton took him under his wing. This mentorship proved pivotal, as Hamilton was an early advocate for organic gardening and sustainability, setting a moral compass for Frost's future work.
As he prepares for his upcoming tour, which includes a stop at Epic Studios in Norwich and a date at King's Lynn Corn Exchange on September 30, 2025, Frost emphasizes the personal nature of his latest endeavors. He describes both the book and his tour as his most personal yet, sharing stories about the plants that have shaped his life and the inspirations he has drawn from his experiences.
Frost's passion for gardening is deeply rooted in his childhood. At 15, he moved from London to North Devon, where he was introduced to gardening by his grandparents. This early exposure helped him find solace during turbulent times. "If you think about my life, my whole life - I had a difficult childhood, found gardening, and the rest is history," he reflects. He emphasizes how gardening can serve as a therapeutic escape, a sentiment echoed in his discussions about mental health during the pandemic.
In September 2021, Frost faced significant challenges, grappling with the mental scars of the pandemic while navigating a house and garden move. "We were moving and simplifying life, and I ended up finishing the last tour explaining to people why," he said. This period of upheaval led him to seek help from a psychiatrist, where he explored the role gardening played in his life.
Frost's connection to gardening extends beyond personal well-being; he believes it has a profound impact on family life. He speaks candidly about how gardening has helped his wife, Sulina, cope with her health struggles. "I can watch the garden make her better. She can be stressed about something and then she goes out there for half an hour, six hours later she's still out there and as happy as a pig in whatever we call it," he shared, highlighting the restorative power of nature.
As spring arrives, Frost is keen to share practical gardening advice. He stresses the importance of timing in plant care, especially during this transitional season. For instance, he suggests that gardeners should prune lavender in early April, trimming stems back by one-third to one-half while focusing on green sections to promote new growth. He also emphasizes the need to remove dead, diseased, and damaged wood from trees and shrubs, a technique he refers to as addressing the "three D's."
Frost's expertise extends to various plant species, including buddleia and ornamental grasses. He advises that flowering shrubs like buddleia should be cut back hard in spring to stimulate fresh growth, ensuring a vibrant display of blooms. Similarly, deciduous grasses like Miscanthus should be pruned significantly to encourage robust health.
Throughout his career, Frost has sought to inspire others to embrace gardening. In 2014, he established The Homebase Garden Academy and has served as an ambassador for the Royal Horticultural Society. His efforts aim to encourage both adults and children to put on their gardening gloves and cultivate their own green spaces.
Frost's journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a celebrated gardening authority is a testament to the transformative power of nature. He often reflects on the emotional connections that gardens foster, stating, "Every part of the garden is emotionally driven by an individual song," highlighting how music has influenced his gardening philosophy.
As the gardening community eagerly anticipates the new season, Adam Frost continues to be a guiding light, sharing his knowledge and passion for plants. His latest book, For the Love of Plants: Over 150 Plants to Bring Joy to Your Garden and Your Life, is now available, offering readers a chance to explore the joy and beauty of gardening through his eyes.
Fans of Frost can catch him presenting Gardeners' World tonight, April 11, 2025, at 8 PM on BBC Two, where he will undoubtedly share more insights and inspiration for the gardening season ahead. As he prepares for his tour, Frost reminds us all that while gardens may sometimes become a little overgrown, it’s not the end of the world—rather, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature and find joy in the process.
